A new demonstration trial in North Motton, Tasmania focused on optimising fertiliser practices in potatoes by evaluating varying rates, timings (pre-spread, at planting, and top-dress), and approaches (crop sampling and conventional programs) to improve grower profitability and potato marketability.

PotatoLink attended the 2024 World Potato Congress (WPC) in Adelaide, SA and connected with local industry members, international potato experts and growers. In addition to the PotatoLink stand, Regenerative Potato Production panel session, Hort Innovation R&D Forum, the PotatoLink team also presented a poster showcasing the projects extension and communication strategy and its' engagement with growers to enhance soil health, featuring a grower from Queensland. View the poster here.

Cutting seed potatoes involves four steps: (1) warming seed before cutting, (2) cutting seed potatoes to seed pieces, (3) curing seed pieces, and (4) cooling seed pieces down to a holding temperature. Get a copy of the visual shed poster to assist with best practice and important considerations when cutting seed.

PotatoLink Bulletin July 2024 is packed with the latest news an updates for potato growers and all involved in the industry.

Growing crops in Australia is not for the faint-hearted, especially when it comes to managing water. The challenge lies in the fact that we often have either too little or too much water, and not always at the right time. Farmers cannot rely on gentle, frequent rain to replenish soil water levels; managing water for crops needs deliberate and considered intervention. Read the full article in Issue 13 of PotatoLink Magazine.

As the global community grapples with the impacts of climate change, the horticultural sector faces mounting pressure to transition towards more sustainable practices, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture production. In Australia, there is plenty of scope for potato farms to adopt various strategies to begin their journey to reduced emissions from production. Read the full article in Issue 13 of PotatoLink magazine.

The exotic Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) (CPB) is globally considered one of the most economically damaging pests to the potato industry. CPB is native to North America and widespread. It has hitchhiked its way to Europe and northern Asia, where it has since spread rapidly and established. Read the full article in Issue 13 of PotatoLink magazine.

Handling and storing seed correctly is essential to maximise returns on this valuable investment, and avoiding condensation during cooling is critical to minimise the risk of storage diseases. To achieve this, seed potatoes are usually cooled very slowly, dropping only 2^oC weekly. In this PotatoLink trial, we tested the effects of three cooling rates. Read the full article in Issue 13 of PotatoLink magazine.

Just like us, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to defend themselves against pests and pathogens. One of the most intriguing strategies is 'Induced Systemic Resistance' (ISR). Specific microbes or environmental triggers can activate the plant defences, improving its ability to ward off attack or cope with stress. And we can help that happen. Read the full article in Issue 13 of PotatoLink magazine.